Editor's Note

Posted by Unknown 30 October, 2010 0 comments

                                            HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

     Halloween is my favorite time of the year and my birthday is also in October. So this time of the year has double meaning for me. I wrote a fictional story  on fantasy(there are some factual elements included) using a total of forty perfumes.

     I wanted to write something different with a haunting, almost real aspect.  My story is an inspiration from the TWILIGHT book series and a book about a young girl who is brought to England and is adopted by a Queen in the 17th century, a true story.

    The fragrances used are about their descriptions. Some of the descriptions used in this story have been altered but not to the degree that it takes away from essence and details in which the fragrance was intended to represent.

    It gives me great pride to give you a scentsational birthday gift, from me to you.


   Hauntingly yours,
   Felicia M. Hazzard
   Editor in Chief

The Scented Story

Posted by Unknown 0 comments

                            THE SCENTSPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN:
                             A Tale of Evil, Mystery, Romance and Victory
                                          by: Fragrance Belles-Lettres


     It was a beautiful sunny autumn day on October 29, 1971. The air smelled of  crisp apples, spicy pumpkins and incense burning from the nearby Cathedral's annual bake sale.  (Cathedral)(October). This day was especially beautiful because for the last two weeks, the sky was so gloomy and dark and the sun hid behind the clouds day after day. No one venture out to Riverside Park because the atmosphere felt creepy and solemn. (Dark Season)

   No one spoke about the highly unusual gloomy weather of two weeks ago. It seemed as if it was almost forbidden and a highly kept secret especially from the elderly citizens of Riverside Park. However, the murmur was about the beautiful and sunny day it became and how glad they were back to sitting in the park of Riverside Park and watching and hearing the nearby festivities.

   The park in Riverside Park is a gorgeous oasis of tall shady trees, luscious green grass, perfect landscaping that featured huge statues of historians long ago and acres and acres of colorful flowers that seemed to be always in season.

    Citizens of Riverside Park were so excited to see the carnival returning on Halloween Eve. The last time a carnival was held in Riverside Park was in 1862. The reasons were unclear but legend states there was an incident that resulted in the death of a beautiful wealthy young women who was poisoned at the carnival in 1862, so therefore the city of Riverside Park never wanted to have another carnival centuries later but the people of Riverside Park asked why now.

    The elite society of Riverside Park, who lived east of the bridge were murmuring about another occasion. The birthday party of Princess Therese.( Le Parfum de Therese) The young beautiful women would be turning 20 years old on Halloween eve. The gala would be held in the historic, Manchester Palace(Trianon Palace Versailles) that was built and established in the 17th century by the Queen of England who frequent Riverside Park in America for global negotiation meetings. Due to these frequent visits to America, the Queen decided to have an estate built to leave a lasting impression of friendship extended to this country.

    Princess Therese, is the descendant of the Ivory Coast, (PG 15 IIang Ivohibe) a country of beautiful tropical vegetation and a melting pot of gold, diamonds and natural resources. Therese which is not her birth name comes from royalty but her family was taken hostage from a very jealous person. Therese's mother and father were killed and she was thrown into slavery and taken abroad to the West Indies to work the fields. (Le Voyage)

   The Queen was on a mission in the West Indies, where she noticed a little girl washing clothes and inquired about her background. The Queen (Fleurs de Bulgarie) was told that the little girl was found lost wandering around and she has no mother or father. The Queen took pity on this child who expressed sophisticated and aristocratic manners for her age and station in life. . The Queen wanted the young girl to come back with her to England. The transition happened and the Queen adopted Therese as her daughter and Princess. (Royal Princess)

   Princess Therese, showed great interest in flower cultivation (something she learned about in the West Indies) and perfumery. The Queen hired the best perfumer in England to teach Therese the ART OF PERFUMERY. Therese caught on very easily and created scents of golden apricot, pink guava, vanilla and musk. These were some of Therese favorite scents while in the West Indies.

   The carnival of Riverside Park posted an announcement stated, The Township of Riverside Park are pleased to announce the reopening of the Riverside Park Carnival for one and all. Please come and have fun and festivities. It is an historic occasion that was last received in 1862. It was established by the Queen of England to America as a lasting friendship.

  The next day the citizens of Riverside Park  awakened to the aromas of deliciously dripping caramel funnel cakes and pecan pie while music of the Caribbean filled the air with the humming of drums and clashing cymbals. (Mo the Disgruntled Concession Stand Girl).

   Princess Therese, is the great great great granddaughter of the Queen of England who has been living in the United States of America to attend the university. Manchester Palace is located in upstate New York, just off the Hudson River. Therese wanted to carry on the tradition of perfumery by establishing a line of fragrances in the USA but was told by a fortune teller ( Mme Moriarty Misfortune Teller)sitting on a bench in Riverside Park that she sees the destiny of Therese and that someone near and dear is an enemy and wants to steal great possessions.

   Therese did not believe a word of this. In fact no one took the fortune teller seriously. Therese is a good and God fearing young lady who attends church regularly and is an heiress of the most established house in England and an perfume empire would be established in the USA. So how is it possible for her destiny to change for the worse??!!

   Therese later that day called her best friend, Raven (Raven)and told her what the fortune teller stated. Raven laughed out loud and said, " That fortune teller is a crazy old lady. Don't pay her any attention. How could your destiny and wealth be in jeopardy. Your great great great grandmother signed the decree and you are the heir of a fortune."

   The night of Halloween Eve was perfect. (Perfect Night). The weather was mild and the flowers that surrounded Manchester Palace bloomed of amber and of oriental florals. These are the flowers Therese wanted to add to the garden and use in certain fragrances. Just before her gala birthday party, Raven wanted to go to the carnival to see the festivities. Therese didn't know if she would have the time but Raven convinced her that she would have enough time to attend so off they went. (1965 Perfume Oil)

   The spicy smell of cinnamon and vanilla coming from the funnel cake booth. Therese told Raven that all morning she had a craving (Craving) for funnel cake. "This is extremely unusual for me to have such a craving for something I don't eat much of. Perhaps it is the scent of the funnel cakes that have been lingering in the air for a couple of days."

     This concerned Therese and she told Raven that she would return momentarily because she forgot to do something. Therese walked briskly back to Manchester Palace and into the chapel of St. Angels. This huge stone built chapel was another gift given to Riverside Park. Therese entered the chapel and blessed herself with holy water from the porcelain basin (Holy Water) and then she bent down with one leg on the Kneeler and prayed. After praying, Therese sat on the rather cold wooden bench and looked up at the ceiling filled with stained glass windows and she stared at the statues of Saints made out of stone from centuries ago. (Idole)
   Suddenly, heard a voice quietly say, Therese beware of the bird. Therese sat straight up and look up and down and all around to see where this deep but unfrightening voice came from. Therese said, " I must be dreaming. I am a little tired from all the preparations for my birthday gala, but..." "Therese, the voice said beware of the  black bird of the night". Therese ran out of the chapel into the park and kept running until she literally bumped into Raven. " Therese what is wrong. You look like you just saw a ghost!". "Oh, no I am fine. Maybe just a little tired that is all." "Well here". said Raven giving Therese some funnel cake she purchased at the booth. "This will make you feel better", Raven insisted. "No but thanks, I will be fine. Really", Therese elaborated. Raven insisted that Therese have some of the warm dripping honey and powdered sugar cake. "Well okay, just a small piece. I don't want to eat too much because I overheard from the cooks in the kitchen that Master Chef made me a beautiful decorated cake for my birthday".
"That sounds so sweet Therese. Now eat up", (7 Sinful Scents Envious) said Raven smiling at Therese. Therese pinched a piece from the corner of the funnel cake and savoured every mouthwatering piece of it. " Wow this is really delicious and there is an ingredient in here, that is unfamiliar to me", said Therese as she continued to eat the piece.

     One hour later, Therese told Raven she needed to leave because it was getting late and she needed to get ready for the birthday gala. "Okay, Princess!", exclaimed Raven. "Do you want me to walk with you back to the Palace", said Raven. "I noticed a strange man starring at you the entire time. I don't think you should walk alone", Raven pleaded. Therese looked over her right shoulder and saw the man. "Oh that is the caretaker. He has been living down the lane since he was a little boy. His father died two years ago and now he is in charge of maintenance. He is a mute but very harmless", Therese explained to Raven while offering a simple smile. "I still think he is strange, plus you and the caretaker are about the same age, so...I think he has a crush on you", Raven said while rolling her while the caretaker was looking from afar.


                                          CHAPTER TWO

     Therese and Raven embraced and both went their separate ways. Raven turned around and shouted to Therese, that she could not wait for the gala and hopefully she will meet a Prince. Therese giggled softly and waved goodbye. While walking through the carnival heading back to Manchester Palace, there is a golden gilded cage was a smooth green eyed, panther (African Queen Black Panther). The panther paced back and forth in the cage while looking at Therese. Therese felt uneasy but not to the point that she was afraid but very curious about the human characteristics of this panther. It felt to Therese that she encountered this panther in the past but how could that be. She never attended a carnival in the past but whatever it was, Therese walked closer to the panther. The panther stopped pacing back and forth and looked at Therese deeply into her eyes. After a moment of silence, the panther said, "Therese I come from a time long ago and I am here to help you". I represent your ancestor from centuries ago. You will be fine but you must keep the faith. You are an heiress from both sides of the continent. It is your birthright to rule. You must be careful but stay positive (The Great Empresses of Japan) and be guided by the ruling scent. There will be many imitations but you will know the difference and stay with the regal fragrance that bares the mark of royalty that your ancestors created long ago." (775 Extreme) Therese could not believe that the panther was talking and she almost fainted but the panther swiftly put his gigantic paw through the gilded golden bars of the cage and caught Therese before she could fall to the ground. "Hold on Princess Therese", said the panther with authority. " The Black Opal ring (Black Opal)you will receive will guide you and protect you under the harshest attacks upon you. Keep it on and never remove it." Therese regained composure and shook her head in agreement. " Now go and get ready for the gala", said the panther pacing again back and forth. Therese hurriedly ran and a few seconds she looked back and the golden cage with the panther had disappeared.

     Therese arrived at Manchester Palace in a cold sweat. " Princess where have you been and what is wrong with you. Why are you sweating so much.", said Therese's nanny who wrapped a warm towel around Therese's shoulders and walked with her to her bedroom. Therese did not answer her nanny but she murmured that she was alright. Therese sat on the side of her bed that was comforting to her due to the soft and smooth satin bed cover. Therese appreciated being back at home but could not help to think how odd her day became. She felt she was in another world from a long time ago but knew that was impossible because it is 1971. Therese's nanny was talking but Therese was thinking about what the voice in the Cathedral and the panther spoke on danger. Danger from whom?!!! and why me, Therese thought.

 "Oh, I almost forgot Princess but a large package was delivered earlier today. It is put in your Powder Room", said the nanny excitedly. "What is it," said Therese with a beaming smile. She scurried to the Powder Room and there on her vanity sat a large brown paper bag. There sat a beautiful large white flower.(Fiore del Dragone) It was enchanting and the aroma was intense. Therese immediately fell in love with this plant. She knew that the plant was rare due to her studies at the university in flower cultivation but..."Nanny, where is the card. Who sent it to me." Therese moved the plant and a card dropped to the floor. On the card it stated, Dear Princess Therese this rare plant will illuminates at night only by the light of the silvery moon and it is the perfect birthday gift for you. It was signed only with the letter D.   Therese was puzzled by the signature. She tried and tried to find out who is D by looking at the guest list for the gala but no one of the guest list name starts or ends with a D. Therese glazed out the window overlooking the sweeping view of Riverside Park and thought of the handsome young man whom she met at the Fourth of July celebration. He was extremely well mannered and he went by the name of Dorian.(Dorian) Therese thought perhaps it was he who sent the plant. Dorian mentioned that he just came from visiting the southeast Asia and this is most likely where the plant derives.   Therese dances around the bed and thought back on the sweet memories (Memories) and wonderful time she had with Dorian. 

    The nanny walked in the bedroom with authority and more of a pushy attitude with Therese to get the party dress on for the gala. "Time is running out, Princess. No more daydreaming", Nancy stated. Nanny helped Therese but the dress on and it was simply beautiful. Therese looked as though she had already been ordained a Queen. The diamond tiara with sparkling colorful gem stones truly highlighted the soft pink satin dress. "Oh thank you Nanny. You are the best. How did you know I wanted colorful gem stones on the tiara." "Princess I have been living in Manchester Palace before you were born. You are like my daughter. I know all of your likes and dislikes ". Therese stretched out her arms and hugged Nanny and told her that she is the greatest and that she loves her.

     Therese's mother died while giving birth to Therese. So, she was raised by her grandmother and Nanny. Nanny held Therese's delicate face in her hands and said I have something to give you from your grandmother. Nanny pulled out of her dusty pocket, a small black box. In the box was a beautiful black opal ring. It was from the 16th century and priceless. "Princess before your grandmother died she always told me to give you this ring for your 20th birthday gala. It must be worn at all times and never to be taken off. It has a unique scent that only illuminates when worn by the heiress and that is you. The scent was sweet and green, more like a candy aroma",(Tarragon Absolute) Nanny stated most seriously. "No I will never take off the ring", Therese said with such great pride.   


                                            PART THREE

     The music of the gala sounded beautiful from the orchestra. The banquet hall was exquisite with gold plated flatware and the crystal goblets sparkled with every twist and turn of the colorful chandelier. It was truly magical. (Magie d'Or) The most prominent and aristocratic people of Riverside Park were invited and Prime Ministers, Ambassadors and Prince and Princess from around the globe attended this extravagant gala. Suddenly, there entering through the door was a tall and slender man with silky black hair and exotic eyes. He was wearing a black suit with a long black velvet cape. Therese stood up and said to Raven sitting next to her, "That is Dorian". "What that is Dorian but....where did you meet him. I mean..., "Raven said with overcome feelings. "We met at the Fourth of July Celebration last summer". "Oh really?" replied Raven. Raven became quite jealous and resentful of Therese's encounter with Dorian. Raven met Dorian a year before he met Therese and she fell in love with him but the love was never returned. "Greetings, Princess Therese and Happy Birthday to you. I come in peace to offer you my blessings for a happy gala and thank you for the invitation,"
 said Dorian bowing his head in honor of Therese's regal station in life. "Oh thank you very much and it is so nice to see you again. Thank...". Just before Therese could thank Dorian for the plant, the orchestra began playing and the guest belted out, " Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dearest Princess Therese. Happy Birthday to you". Cheers and clapping filled the room. The Master Chef brought out a six tier birthday cake that (Ashley's Wedding Cake) consisted Therese favorite ingredients of rich red velvet cake, a layer of strawberry French butter cream meringue topped with a layer of white cake and covered with colorful sugar accents. After dessert was served, the orchestra began playing music for dancing. Dorian walked across the room and held out his hand to Therese and asked if she would like to dance with him. Therese eagerly agreed and they danced slowly to the music and gazing into each other eyes.  Suddenly, the music stopped and a extremely strong aroma filled the banquet hall.(Les Fleurs du Mal) The evening light from the moon was covered in complete darkness. Dorian stepped away from Therese and put his hood on his head from the cape. He walked back to Therese who was the only one standing on the dance floor and gave her the kiss of death. (Halloween Kiss). Therese fainted and fell to the floor. All of the guest were screaming because it was pitch black in the banquet hall. Dorian picked up Therese's limp body and carried her outside under the black moon (Moon Breath).   Dorian leaned over Therese to see if she was still breathing. She was not, so it appeared that way but Dorian had no clue that there was someone lurking in the forest. The deep forest (She Wood Velvet Forest)is filled with extremely tall trees and bushes. Surely no one would find us out here because this is where Therese's ancestor's from the Ivory Coast left their mark centuries ago when they were brought to North America. Dorian knew that one one really knew where Therese came from. All they knew is that Therese's great great great grandmother brought adopted by the Queen in England who was a slave. But Therese's true ancestral family is linked to royalty. Dorian is really a demon reincarnated to look like a very handsome regal man. His true name is Lucifer (Parfum Lucifer Sin). He is out to steal the very soul and essence of Therese because she started researching her ancestral heritage in the Ivory Coast. Dorian performed a dance ritual (Moon Dance) that will take away all memory of Therese's past and he used organic herbs and chanting to complete the ritual.

     Suddenly, the caretaker come from behind a tree and said, "You Lucifer. Behold the coming of your demise I am a Prince. (Prince) and I have the true fragrance that you can never destroy. I am not afraid of you. I was sent here to protect Princess Therese. I came in a form of a man who could not speak with his own tongue." It is my quest (Quest) to protect the Princess so that her heritage will live on forever. "No, that is not possible. I have the true scent. It was given to me by...", said Dorian/Lucifer. "No, I know the scent you are talking about, Lucifer and it was given to you by Raven. You see Raven is a witch (Witch Corn) and she knew that you would meet the Princess but you didn't know that Raven was in love with you and wanted to be with you. You had no interest in her, so she but a curse on you and turned your scent into a less powerful fragrance". "Where is Raven, Prince". Lucifer, Raven is dead!" The powerful Black Opal ring the Princess is wearing is full of the true fragrance that was more powerful than Raven's hatred of the Princess, so the true scent killed Raven. "Lucifer took out a blade (Witchblade)and ran toward the Prince to kill him. The Prince quickly stepped to aside and threw the true scent into Lucifer's face. It burned Lucifer and smoke and pus came out of his body.  The Prince said, " I am immortal (Immortelle L' Amour) you cannot kill me". Minutes later, Lucifer died and turned into vapor that sunk into the ground. The very ground where Therese's ancestor's from the Ivory Coast are buried.


                                            CHAPTER THREE

     The Prince ran over to Therese and took a golden bottle from his pocket. He opened the bottle and poured the regal fragrance of vanilla (Perfect Vanilla) that came from five continents of royal families that was blessed by the High Priest many centuries ago. He put the regal fragrance inside the Black Opal ring to bring Therese back to life. Seconds later, Therese's eyes opened. " Caretaker, what are you doing and why are you dressed like a Prince" , said Therese as she struggled to stand up. "No Princess do you stand yet. I have something very important to explained to you about your regal heritage". The Prince explained everything to Therese and that the Black Opal ring is the key to life. (Love The Key To Life)

     Princess Therese and the Prince walked out of the forest together and holding hands.

         
                                                       -The End-
   

   
    

 

Fragrance References

Posted by Unknown 0 comments

      For more information on the fragrances used in The Scentspooktacular Halloween: A Tale of Evil, Mystery, Romance and Victory please see the following list.

African Queen Black Panther   profumo.it/perfume
Ashley's Wedding Cake              starringfragrances.com

Black Opal, Dorian, Cathedral, Les Fleurs du Mal, Mme Moriarity Misfortune Misfortune Teller,Witchblade       
blackphoenixalchemylab.com 

Craving     perfumebynature.blogspot.com

Dark Season, Quest    neilmorrisfragrances.com

Fleurs de Bulgarie      creedboutique.com

Fiore del Dragone      shoplondons.com

Halloween Kiss          jesusdelpozo.com

Idole                         lubin-parfum.fr

Immortelle L' Amour   ayalamoriel.com

Le Voyage, Memories, Magie d'Or    joannebassett.com

Le Parfum Therese      editionsdeparfums.com

Love The Key To Life     lovethekeyoflife.com

Moon Dance, Moon Breath     anyasgarden.com

Mo the Disgruntled Concession Stand Girl    etsy.com

Parfum Lucifer Sin        damienbash.com

Perfect Night                bellabellissima.co.uk 

Perfect Vanilla              sarahhorowitz.com

PG 15 IIang Ivohibe        parfumerie-generale.com

Prince                           dshperfumes.com

Royal Princess               Cassia Garden etsy.com

She Wood Velvet Forest       dsquared2.com

Tarragon Absolute          aftelier.com

The Great Empresses of Japan       dameor.com

Trianon Palace Versailles   franciskurkdijan.com

Witch Corn        corinedefarme.fr

775 Extreme           therapeutate-parfums.com

1965 Perfume Oil       carnivalwax.com

7 Sinful Scents Envious   beautyencounter.com

Holy Water       demeter.com

Raven                      Wlyde Ivy  etsy.com


    
Picture of Lyndhurst Castle       fanpop.com
Picture of Birthday Cake           myregistry.com 

            

Editor's Note

Posted by Unknown 21 October, 2010 0 comments

     This special issue is packed with beauty, romance, haunting reincarnation and the spicy floral of carnation essence and dark flaming roses.
     Halloween for me as an adult is not about ghoulish and flesh eating creatures roaming the earth to supply their needs. But instead, I feel there are good spirits amongst us to help and guide us to a better life. Now there are those people who would disagree but this is not a debate but more of a fantasy in this issue of Fragrance Belles-Lettres that inspired me to write this edition.
    When I heard about the new fragrance Portrait of a Lady by Les Editions de Parfums, a certain movie came to mind and that is Portrait of Jennie derived by a novel written by Robert Nathan.
     I not only compare the similarities between Portrait of a Lady parfum and Portrait of Jennie, the movie and novel but the fragrances that screams romance, compassion and a haunting desire to find love.
    It gives me great pleasure to announce an eighteenth century perfumery who is celebrating 280 years in the perfume industry with a new fragrance that commerates this important and exciting moment.
   The house of Floris have created a parfum called simply 280. Floris, a London based perfume house is steeped in tradition with a flair for creating and combing fragrances that has lasted for many years.
   Fragrance Belles-Lettres:The Magazine brings you a pre-Hallow of dark, mysterious incarnations of vibrant heroines from the past and from beyond with scents that lingers on and on.

                               Felicia M. Hazzard, Editor in Chief

     Les Editions de Parfums created by talented and expert perfumer, Frederic Malle has added another great fragrance to the library of this perfume house and that is with Portrait of a Lady created by perfumer, Dominique Ropion who Malle professes great admiration. Portrait of a Lady is inspired by the same-named novel by Henry James from 1881. It is about an heroine, Isabel Archer who is meets overwhelming circumstances and betrayal by her husband.
  The novel focuses on how Isabel has to deal with unforeseen situations mentally and Henry James exquisitely puts you right into the situation with Archer.

   Portrait of a Lady parfum is centered around the rose. The turkish rose,a red rich velvety color is combined with a spices of clove, cinnamon and incense that represents the intense moments in Isabel Archer's life.

    The woody essence of patchoulol, a terpene extracted from natural patchouli founds it way to land as a base for the dramatic climax of Isabel Archer.

    Portrait of a Lady is not available in shops until November 2010 but the eager moment of this dark but ever so elegant portrayal of a strong heroine who meets darkness will be an overwhelming success for women who seek a fragrance that will strengthen every demanding moment of her life. This is truly a one of a kind creation by Dominique Ropion

editionsdeparfums.com

    When I first saw the movie, Portrait of Jennie played by Academy Award winning actress Jennifer Jones and the superb actor, Joseph Cotten on TCM (Turner Movie Classics) several years ago, I could not stop thinking about it. How real the story became to me after thinking about it over and over again.

     This movie taken in 1934 features impoverished painter, Eben Adams, played by Cotten who struggled selling his paintings to various galleries. Adams meets a little girl named Jennie Appleton played by Jones in Central Park, New York. He noticed that she seemed a bit different than other children her age and her clothes were old-fashioned, however, Jennie was a warm and sparkling child who stole Adam's heart. He made sketches of Jennie from memory and took another chance at selling his painting at one particular art dealer, Miss Spinney who took a chance on Adams ability as a painter and sold some sketches of Jennie to her.

   Over time and several more encounters with Jennie, he noticed that she became older and she talked about the past as if it was current. Adams told no one about his experience with Jennie. He knew in his heart that she was not from the 1930's but from another time. No she is not a ghost but perhaps traveling thorough time for a valid reason.
   Jennie eventually grew into a beautiful young woman and Adams fell in love with her. Jennie inspired Adams to paint a portrait of her. It became a great work of art and the painting eventually landed in one of the most prominent and exclusive museums in the world.
   Grant it in a Portrait of Jennie, Eben Adams was going through a tough and terrible time in his life as a painter but Jennie Appleton was there for him and inspired him to not give up painting. She inspired him in a more spiritual way that no one else knew about and in the end the results landed the Portrait of Jennie in one of the finest museums in the world.
    Isabel Archer is also a heroine but she didn't have the moral support. She had to mentally prepare herself on how to deal with various issues and situations to overcome a tragic end.
    Isabel Archer, a women of her time and Jennie Appleton a women who came from beyond that died many years before her encounter with Eben Adams are two women who reached out to care and  to be loved. However in the case of Archer her husband did not reach back.
 

    During my research for this edition of Fragrance Belles-Lettres: The Magazine, I became very intrigued with the notion of incarnation. The origin is from 1855-60; re + incarnation and dictionary.com defines it as a living being embodying a deity or spirit. It further defines incarnation as an assumption of human form or nature.  Okay this sounded reasonable so what is the exact definition of reincarnation. According to dictionary.com it  reads the belief that the soul, upon death of the body comes back to earth in another body or form
  I thought that was it but now what would an "incarnation" smell like. This is a perfume magazine and the mystical heritage of these words should smell something like a musk, woody or something heavenly divine?

  After careful research, I found a fragrance simply named Incarnation created in 2008 by founder & natural perfumer, Ayala Moriel of Ayala Moriel Parfums

Incarnation is described as peppery, fiery, sweet and seductive. It describes the personality of women with all natural ingredients such as African stone, tincture, angelica seed oil, balsam tolu, benzoine siamese, black pepper, carnation, carrot seeds, clove bud, mace rose otto (turkey), and tuberose absolute.

 What is so special about Incarnation is that most perfumers do not use carnation essential oil anymore because it seems to be old-fashioned but this gorgeous fragrance is not old at all. It is cutting edge all in a natural way.

     Frederic Malle, the czar of Les Editions de Parfums is famous for choosing some of the best perfumers in the industry. Malle chose Edouard Flechier to create a rose fragrance that is described to symbolize a garden rose being pulled from the ground and the roots attached to it.
     Une Rose was created with the perfect balance and a deep impression that is sweet, tangy and spicy. Une Rose  was created in 2003 for women who have a strong and healthy presence about themselves.
     The fragrance notes consist of geranium, blue chamomile, wine dregs, Turkish rose absolute,  truffle accord, patchouli accord, vetiver and castorreum absolute.
     Une Rose is quite similar to the November debut of Portrait of a Lady parfum. The rich and dark characteristics of the Turkish rose in each parfum is what makes these two fragrances class acts of Les Editions de Parfums.
    Passion, sensual, high self-esteem and intoxicating is what Une Rose is all about.

   editionsdeparfums.com

     What is carnation essence all about? Carnation absolute is produced only in the south of France. It posses a strong floral spicy scent. Many classical fragrances consist of carnation because of its peppery connotation but today many perfumers are staying away from this essence.
      Carnation essence works so well with the rose scent. So why is it not being used as much? Well it is considered to be old-fashioned and out of touch, so to speak in the ever revolving world of perfumery.
     I personally think it has a lasting effect and its usage is well deserved to stay on the perfume organ because its classic being is the greatest quality of the carnation.
     I am totally behind testing and producing new and innovative fragrances but adding a touch of carnation here and there will always be the best result for an oriental fragrance to give it that spicy edge and feeling of warmth.

     Malmaison is another great fragrance created by the house of Floris in 1830.
Malmaison is one of the most famous fragrances of this old English house. One of the reasons  is that it is based on carnation absolute. As I stated before during this time, carnation was a very popular scent. If perfumers were creating a floral fragrance, then carnation was definitely one of the main ingredients.

     Malmaison actually originated in France (carnation is cultivated in the south of France) but because the house of Floris was so popular and known for delivering exquisite fragrances that it was most successful in Britain.

     This floral oasis of a spicy persuasion has top notes of cinnamon, cloves and lemons. The heart notes are centered perfectly with Malmaison carnation, rose and ylang ylang and finally the delectable cedar musk, patchouli and vanilla gives it a creamy mixture.

florislondon.com
  

     The house of Floris was established in 1730 during the Georgian period. It has come a long ways in 280 years of perfumery. To honor this momentous occasion in 2010, Floris have created a new scent simply named 280. To symbolize this great occasion only 280 copies of the perfume will be sold.

     This celebratory scent opens with black pepper, clove and it has warmth with iris, neroli, orange blossom and ylang ylang for balance. The sweets come in tonka bean and vanilla with a hint of musk to give it depth.

    The house of Floris have good reason to celebrate. It was Juan Famenias Floris who had a passion and idea that took skills and determination to start a perfumery. His wife, Elizabeth was there for moral support and helped Mr. Floris to become the man we have learned to appreciate and admire.

  This issue is about heroines in the present and the great beyond. This great partnership was carried for 280 years with now the 8th generation descendants running the perfumery.

   Congratulations to the house of Floris!

The House of FLORIS

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     The house of Floris is an 18th century perfume house based in London, was founded by perfumer, Juan Famenias Floris, a Spaniard from the island of Menorca who establish Floris perfumery in 1730. The house of Floris is the second oldest perfumery in the world after Santa Maria Novella which was established in 1612.
     Floris and his wife, Elizabeth began selling perfume, combs and shaving products in the elegant quarters of London's St. James. Today, the house of Floris is still located in its original spot on Jermyn Street where tradition still remains with exotic blending of essences and oils to still give it that Mediterranean feel to each fragrance. 
   The very first perfume created by Floris since establishment was Lavender Eau de Toilette in 1730. It is a classical single note floral fragrance. Lavender was discontinued  after many years, but it was relaunched in 1923.
    The house of Floris became known all over Europe and Mr. Floris received the first Royal Warrant granted to him in 1820 by the new appointed King George IV. Since that time Mr. Floris received about 16 Royal Warrants granted to him and each is still on display in the shop.
    The house of Floris is run by the 8th generation of descendants. The descendants are known for keeping tradition alive just like Mr. Floris would want it to be.
     Lavender Eau de Toilette is still available for purchase. Floris perfumery has been in business now for 280 years. Success comes naturally to this perfumery and they look forward to 280 more years of tradition and new discoveries for the future.

florislondon.com
 

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

Posted by Unknown 11 October, 2010 0 comments

    I just received important information from the admistrative office of Santa Maria Novella. The production quantities of Ottone and Porcellana Eau de Cologne is for a limited time only.
   
    The sales will close on December 21, 2012 which marks the official anniversary date of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella's birthday. Part of the proceeds from sales of Ottone and Porcellana Eau de Cologne will go to civic use.

    So don't delay and get your order in. Get into the celebration and put on a fragrance that marks history. A crowning jewel and a bright future.

 Go to lafcony.com

Editor's Note

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   The month of October is bringing so much excitement. I am honored to bring Part Two of the Fragrance Belles-Lettres Fall Fragrance Pick for 2010. I enjoy reading and smelling the masterpieces created by the perfumers. They work so hard to bring us the very best in niche perfumes. The time and care is given with every ounce of dedication to this exciting and overwhelming part of the perfume industry.
   I share this moment of excitement with the house of Santa Maria Novella who will be celebrating their 400th anniversary. I will keep you informed of coverage of events from the  house SMN.

   I have to admit I do see leaves falling from the trees that are turning colors but I am still enjoying the warm weather provided. In the Midwest it  has been in the 80's for the city of Chicago. As I stated I am ready for change but it is okay if the warm weather lingers around for just a little while longer.

    It gives me great pleasure to announce Part Two of the Fragrance Belles-Lettres Fall Fragrance Picks for 2010.
    These wonderful perfume creations were not chosen just for their beautiful aromas but the creative stories behind them and how each fragrance note included by the perfumer  describes the Fall season.

  Congratulations to all the winners!
  
  Note: Perfumes listed are in no particular order.

  Bel Orage by Sarah Horowitz Parfums  (Perfumer: Marlene Strang)

  Library Collection: Opus I, Opus II, and Opus III by Amouage (Perfumer: Christopher Chong)

  Manoa by Memo

  Fig Coco by Sabon

  Memories by JoAnne Bassett (Perfumer: JoAnne Bassett)

  Santorial by Penhaligon (Perfumer: Bertrand Duchaufour)

  Mens Rea Eau de Parfum by Daniel Vaudd (Perfumer: Daniel Vaudd)

  Empress of India by Essentially Me (Perfumer: Alec Lawless)

  Love Coco by Honore' des Pres: New York Collection ( Perfumer: Olivia Giacobetti)

  Defile' New York by Histoires de Parfums (Perfumer: Gerald Ghislain)



 

     Fragrance Belles-Lettres loves to celebrate anniversaries of accomplished perfumers and the perfumes that they create. How about celebrating the accomplishment of a 18th century perfumery who will be celebrating an upcoming anniversary of 400 years in business! Yes, I said 400 years.

I have the unique opportunity to write about Italian niche perfumery, Santa Maria Novella perfumery. Due to this tremendous occasions, the house of SMN have created not one but two outstanding perfumes to mark the 400th anniversary and they are Ottone Eau de Cologne and Porcellana Eau de Cologne.

 According to SMN, the names of the fragrances reflects the Officina's return to countries where it was known in the 18th century. Ottone refers to northern Europe, Germany and Russia and Porcellana refers to the Far East. A place of elegance that the Medici family found to be quite fascinating.

 With that in mind, Porcellana Eau de Cologne is to give a more romantic, feminine and delicate tone. While Ottone Eau de Cologne gives more chances of being free and open minded, not yet reading to make a decision.

  The house of SMN have nothing to be indecisive about, they have given 400 years of wonderful works of art and tradition to last a lifetime. It all started by Dominican friars of Florence in the 13th century and how they would be so proud that there dedication to using fine fragrances from their very own garden would create a perfume empire that has been shared by nobles worldwide.
   Ottone and Porcellana Eau de Cologne are the staples for a new era for the house of SMN and it marks territory that cannot be matched.

   Ottone surrounds itself with notes that reminded me of what might have been in the friar's garden during the 13th century with high end rose aroma, steeped in bergamot, petitgrain and oregano. It gives a dusting of clove and spicy cinnamon to give it an edge and lands with a splash of pepper and sandalwood for extra coating and intense flavors of cedar and incense to lay its base.

  Porcellana is less intense and light on the subject with the sweet smell of jasmine. The white flowers carries its own tune with the star anise surrounding it as backup, cardamom sings alto, galbanum is second soprano and cedar strikes a cord with the base and the iris recites a poem.

  Ottone and Porcellana are two contrasting fragrances but that is the beauty of the house of SMN. NO two fragrances are remotely alike. All of the fragrances by SMN are individuals and they are allowed to be enjoyed.
 

  Congratulations to the house of Santa Maria Novella! May you be blessed with 400 more years of splendid success.

    Today the house of Santa Maria Novella market a wide range of fragrances, bath, and body products and products in home fragrances.
   The range of perfumes is vast but here are just a few of my favorites  from the past that range from eau de colognes to extracts and essences.

  Acqua di Colonia (Eau de Cologne) by Santa Maria Novella

  Acqua di Colonia, also known as Acqua della Regina was created by the Dominican friars in 1533 for Catherine de Medici. The wife of Henry II and crowned the Queen of France.

  Mavrorachi Oleolita (Extract/Essences) by Santa Maria Novella

  "Mavrorachi" is the name dedicated to the goddess, Aphrodite who was born according to legend from the foaming sea on the island of Cyrus.

     The Officina Profumo Farmaceuticadi Santa Maria Novella (The Official Perfumery Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella) is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. The house of SMN was established in 1612 in Florence, Italy.
    SMN is not your ordinary perfumery established by one or two people who have chosen to create perfume as a career, but instead the SMN is based on recipes by the Dominican friars of Florence. The fragrances and body products of SMN were used with herbs from the monastery gardens since the 13th century. The Dominican friars were in charge of the perfumery until the late 19th century and then it became a private business.

    The splendid architecture of The Officina Profumo Farmaceuticadi Santa Maria Novella is breathtaking! The architecture is 18 century original and the doorway is designed by the great architecture, Matteo Nigetti. It has a huge open space with dark furnishing of rich coloring that keeps the ambiance of a pharmacy with the glamour and aroma of fragrances dating back to a fragrance created just for Catherine de Medici.

Editor's Note

Posted by Unknown 03 October, 2010 0 comments

   Welcome to the season of Fall!

Honestly it is my favorite time of the year and that is because it cause for Change.
Change is a good thing. Yes, it will take a considerable amount of time and planning but if you are doing it for the purpose of good and improvement, then change will be accepted by all.

  Saying this, I am changing my format in terms of the look and feel and purpose of Fragrance Belles-Lettres. It is a work still in process and I am extremely excited about this notion. As Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I love the niche perfume industry. It truly is a work of art and a constant review of so many perfume launches that it can be very overwhelming but this is what drives me.

  Fragrance Belles-Lettres will still remain as the pioneer of dedicating and reporting the great arts of perfumery from those perfumers from the 16Th thorough the 19Th centuries, however, Fragrance Belles-Lettres will involve as much as possible to include the best of niche fragrances in the present time and more details will follow. I want to include more of my creativity that has been bursting with fire to come out. So, I hope you will enjoy this new journey and I thank you my wonderful readers for supporting me.

Kind Regards,
Felicia M. Hazzard

  The colors of gold, ambar, and orange represent this wonderful season of Fall. I am very pleased to announce the favorite fragrances of Fragrance Belles-Lettres for 2010.

  It is not only the scent but the concept, history and the storytelling behind the creation of a perfume. This years' Fall perfume releases consist of fruits, honey, roses and a 'Shake Shake Senora' just to name a few.

  Here is the list of picks for Fall 2010: Part One. Those listed are not in any particular order.

Bois 1920: Le Volu House Kimono Rose, La Vaniglia and Notturno Fiorentino
Byredo: La Tulipe, M/Mink
DS & Durga: Shake Shake Senora
Dawn Spencer Hurwitz: Secrets of Egypt
J Del Pozo: Ambar
Keiko Mercheri: Attar de Roses, Les Zazous
MCMC Fragrances Maui, Noble, Maine, Hunter and Garden
Pacifica :California Star Jasmine
Atelier Cologne: Grand Neroli
Tauer Perfumes: Eau d'Epices, Une Rose Vermeille
The Organic Pharmacy's Organic Glam Line: Citron, Oriental Blossom, Jasmine and Oud

   It brings with great pleasure to bring you, Part One of The Fragrance  Belles-Lettres AutumnFest of Fall Favorite Scents for 2010.

  Fragrance Belles-Lettres is taking a new, exciting and different approach. The same value and context will be here and  still giving honor to past perfumers and perfumer houses from the 16Th through the 19Th centuries will not change.

   Therefore, I open the Fragrance AutumnFest with L'Intrigante by Parfums d'Orsay.

    I hope you received your invitation to The 2010 Fragrance Belles-Lettres AutumnFest of honored perfumers and their unique fragrances. Please visit their websites and get to know them. You can even drop them a line and tell them how much you appreciate their commitment to the perfume industry.

  Choose one or two fragrances for yourself or as a gift. Let the fragrance of Fall wrap you in warmth and change.

COUNT ALFRED d'ORSAY

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    One cannot mention the house of Parfum d'Orsay without mentioning its founder and perfumer, Count Alfred Guillaume d'Orsay (1801-1852) was a man that wore many hats, literally! He was a perfumer, businessman, sculptor, painter and he received raved reviews not just for his perfume creations but for being a DANDY or should we say nowadays, a FASHIONISTA.

Count d'Orsay was a Frenchmen who came fashion during the romantic period a new name. It was reported that during the day,  he would change gloves at least 8 times and with every change of the glove went the change of a new hat. He was tall, handsome and quite popular with the pretty ladies but Count d'Orsay always but the ART OF PERFUMERY first and that is why the house of Parfum d'Orsay all these years later have remained a household name in the fragrance industry due to skillful handmade perfume creations that were requested by nobility worldwide.

   Count Alfred d'Orsay creations are still sparkling with glamour, elegance and with perfect experise of fragrant note by note in every bottle. The house of Parfum d'Orsay brings another masterpiece in honoring women with a new fragrance for Fall 2010 L'Intrigante.
   L'Intrigante (The Schemer) in their Les Intenses Collection where the already established fragrances of Le Dandy, La Dandy and Le Nomande are placed. This scent embodies warm and powdery moments but there is a surprise peek-a-boo- of pepper that gives of a grand entrance for the newcomers but it is stable by hints of camelia that will get recognized in any parlor or palace and with a lasting impression of basic notes from vanilla and musk just to have people coming back for more. This scent is poetic with surrounding hymns of juniper berries, the classic myrrh and the ambiance of osmanthus, red rose, carnation and the finale with one of my personal favorites, orange blossom.

 L'Intrigante engages all the moments you want to be in. It is a scent for grand entrances and yet for quiet moments tucked away for only you to remember.
 
 This divine fragrance was created by perfumer, Anne de Puy Raimond.

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IPF Certified Natural Perfumery Media

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Esscentual Alchemy

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Fragrance Belles-Lettres Est 2009 CHICAGO

The word "belles lettres" is a French phrase meaning "beautiful or "fine writing. Since this is a term to describe a category of writing, this will pertain to my passion about fragrances. I will review niche,natural, artisan and designer perfumes from all over the world. I write with passion but will use my journalistic skills that I obtained in college. Not only will I feature fragrances but I will feature new books on fragrances/perfumes, fragrance events and interview authors and perfumers.


I hope you take this journey with me and begin your own passion for the ART OF PERFUMERY!

Fragrance Belles-Lettres Magazine is a division of Noblesse Luxe Publication.


Felicia M. Hazzard
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief









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